St Ives Day Trips: Top 5 Unforgettable Cornwall Escapes

So, you’re in St Ives, that beautiful, almost picture-perfect Cornish town. Very, very good choice! And, so you know, while St Ives itself offers plenty to see and do, did you know a lot of other amazing places are nearby? Places that are rather easy to visit for a single day of exploring? We thought this might be useful, so, we created this guide to the five most worthwhile day trips you can make from St Ives. Ready for a new plan? Let’s get started.

1. Penzance: A Town with a Pirate-y Past and Artistic Vibe

Penzance, very a bit more than ten miles from St Ives, so typically makes a brilliant day trip choice if you fancy a change of pace. As a matter of fact, the town is soaked in history, that, you know, a lot of it related to pirates (or, very privateers, that’s almost a classier kind of pirate). You could walk the streets and just drink that in.

What to See and Do:

That, of course, is the big question. Really, where to begin? Penzance is not lacking things to do. Arguably, a lot of people love exploring the Egyptian House, that really unusual building that looks like, as the name suggests, it just, well, sailed straight out of ancient Egypt! And also there is, you know, the Penlee House Gallery & Museum, a lovely gallery with all kinds of pieces and also historical artifacts. A little like seeing history staring back at you. Or, if you want a touch of, really relaxation, then the Jubilee Pool is right up your alley, is that this beautiful art deco lido has been welcoming swimmers since the 1930s. Fancy!

Getting There:

The bus from St Ives to Penzance usually comes around every 30 minutes. If you want the simple life, so to speak. And it just, you know, takes under an hour. A little convenient, if I may say so myself! Alternately, if, frankly, you rather the freedom of a car, it’s a super easy drive that should also take about half an hour. Very important to check parking information when you’re getting your travel ideas.

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2. Mousehole: Pronounced “Mouzle,” Is that it!

This picture-postcard village, only very a short drive from Penzance, might be Mousehole. Actually, Mousehole is one of Cornwall’s best kept secrets and also boasts a fascinating harbor.

What to See and Do:

Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital does, so, what it says on the tin. Yet, it’s pretty special. People also enjoy strolling along the Mousehole Harbour and looking out, very at the boats. If, arguably, you are into the history side of life then visit the charming, in a way, little streets of the town. Alternatively, and finally, you might like a bite at a local cafe.

Getting There:

Again, arguably, the bus might be the simplest way of doing things, typically departing every hour, so to speak, from St Ives. Typically, that involves one change in Penzance, as a matter of fact, before carrying on to Mousehole. In short, you might get there in around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Anyway, by car the route will be around 40 minutes. And, actually, driving through this area is very an adventure. In some respects you will discover spectacular landscapes. The car parks at Mousehole might get rather crowded in peak season, so just plan accordingly.

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3. Land’s End: Standing at the Edge of the World

Land’s End is, arguably, England’s most westerly point. Seemingly that’s something you should visit at least one time! And you know, the views of the Atlantic Ocean are actually just out of this world. Just almost unbelievable! So, yes. That’s a good idea.

What to See and Do:

Standing on the cliffs looking very out to sea does it for a few people. You can, in some respects, feel the strong connection between land and sea, that it. If arguably, the weather conditions are right, as I was saying, you should get a chance to see the Isles of Scilly off in the distance. Alternatively, arguably, there are several attractions and exhibits, as a matter of fact, including Greeb Farm, that actually will keep children amused. So you have that possibility, too.

Getting There:

Public transportation to Land’s End might be a bit tricky, just, with a couple of transfers involved, arguably. You also have to allow more than two hours for the bus. Yet, the easiest route is going to be taking the car because Land’s End is about an hour from St Ives, naturally. I mean, yes.

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4. The Minack Theatre: Drama with a View

And speaking of a bit special, the Minack Theatre is one of, very those locations! Carved into the cliffs, this really outdoor theatre provides a very almost unique experience, with the stage set against the very blue Atlantic Ocean.

What to See and Do:

Attending a performance at the Minack actually might be the major attraction here, so to speak, as I was saying. What plays are available just depend on the timing of your visit. Yet, if it just, so happens that there aren’t any plays you will go to see on that day, seeing this spectacular construction with your own eyes will still be just worthy of the visit.

Getting There:

While public transport is on hand, frankly, it’s generally a little complicated, yet, with transfers involved that just increase travelling time. The drive from St Ives is very an easy hour, so to speak, which is usually a much quicker and more pleasant experience.

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5. Coastal Walk to Zennor: Beauty Along the South West Coast Path

Alright, something for you if you like getting your walking boots on? If, frankly, you do, the South West Coast Path also provides pretty dramatic and quite memorable walking opportunities. A lot of people enjoy one of the best sections of this path, naturally, running from St Ives to Zennor, with a route of just about six miles. I see why, yet.

What to See and Do:

Firstly, really, make sure that the weather will cooperate before you go. You’ll see rugged cliffs, arguably, crashing waves, and an abundance of wildlife – the type of wildlife will simply depend on the season, as I was saying. Make sure, for example, you have lots of refreshments because it will be a bit on the long side and exhausting for beginners!

Getting There:

The simple way of things is walking it! (That is also obvious!) The other side is getting back, yet, for those of you with tiring legs the bus also provides an easy way to get back to St Ives from Zennor.

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